NEGROS Occidental 5th District’s Rep. Emilio Bernardino “Super Dino” Yulo III marked his 64th birthday on May 20.
The celebration at his family compound in Isabela town was far from lavish. There was no grand fanfare or extravagant gathering — only a modest salo-salo with family, friends, supporters, and guests.
Yet the occasion carried deeper significance beyond the birthday itself.
Before the simple gathering, Yulo led the blessing and inauguration of the Kalusugan One Stop Shop (KOSS) Center, also located within their compound.
KOSS, according to its conceptualizer Christian Caduhada, is envisioned as a medical convergence hub for residents of the 5th District.
The district — locally known as the “Quinto Distrito” — is composed of Himamaylan City and the municipalities of Binalbagan, Isabela, Moises Padilla, La Castellana, and Hinigaran.
Caduhada said KOSS was designed to provide tangible solutions to the various concerns of district residents through integrated healthcare and social services.
‘FROM WOMB TO TOMB’
For his part, Super Dino has his own local way of describing the essence of KOSS.
According to him, KOSS is a concrete manifestation of his genuine concern for his constituents — “from womb to tomb.”
At the center, anyone seeking assistance — from medical concerns to burial support — will be accommodated and assisted.
“No one should leave KOSS still carrying the burden,” the congressman assured.
Those in need of blood, medicines, hospital confinement, CT (computerized tomography) scans, and even Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) services will be given assistance.
Even individuals facing problems involving documents and records — such as birth certificates, death certificates, PhilHealth records, and similar requirements — need not worry anymore, he said.
“KOSS will find ways.”
For physically challenged constituents who cannot personally claim medicines, KOSS even provides pharmacy delivery services.
This initiative became possible through partnerships forged by Yulo’s congressional office with several government agencies.
Among KOSS’ partner agencies are the Department of Health (DOH), PhilHealth, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Social Security System (SSS), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
‘RELAX LANG, AKO BAHALA’
The KOSS concept revolves around Super Dino’s trademark mantra: “Relax lang, ako bahala.”
Simply put, he does not want constituents to arrive at KOSS burdened with problems and leave carrying the same worries.
Instead, KOSS aims to assist every help-seeker in whatever way possible — whether through cash or non-cash assistance.
Yulo also hopes to spare his constituents from repeatedly traveling to Bacolod City or other parts of the province merely to process corrections in their PhilHealth, SSS, or other government records in order to avail themselves of assistance.
“At least not during my incumbency,” he implied.
What he wants, instead, is for KOSS itself to handle many of these errands and processes on behalf of the people.
So for residents of the Quinto Distrito, the message remains simple: “Relax lang, si Super Dino ang bahala sa inyo.”
PEOPLE’S ROCK
Beyond politics, Super Dino has earned a reputation as a “people’s rock” — tested and proven through difficult times.
In his four years as representative of the 5th District, he has carved a notable mark in public service.
His term, after all, has been tested by a series of calamities — including the continuing eruptions of Mt. Kanlaon since June 3, 2024, and Super Typhoon “Tino,” which battered the district on Nov. 4, 2025.
In many ways, the 5th District has become disaster-prone from 2024 up to the present.
Yet the congressman never appeared intimidated by these challenges.
Instead, he showed his constituents how serious he was in leading them — “sa hirap o ginhawa.”
He waded through floods.
He joined rescue operations.
He helped distribute relief goods.
He climbed mountains.
He reached the farthest sitios.
He carried patients.
He even led Zumba and mass dance activities.
What made these efforts resonate with the people was the manner in which they were carried out — candidly and without obvious political choreography.
Thus, the moniker “Super Dino” naturally stuck.
‘HORSES FOR COURSES’
Indeed, Super Dino is among the more seasoned politicians Negros Occidental has produced.
From provincial board member to vice governor, and now congressman, his political journey has been long and eventful.
Still, like many public figures, he is far from perfect.
He also endured painful defeats in his first three congressional bids in 2013, 2016, and 2019.
But perhaps those losses helped shape him into a more grounded leader today.
His pro-people approach — what may be described as a “horses for courses” style — is both visible and deeply felt by his constituents.
That style continues to refine his approach to public service in ways that go beyond mere imitation or political copycatting.
This is why the birth of KOSS came as no surprise, neither to his constituents nor to members of the media.
In many ways, KOSS appears to be the culmination of Super Dino’s “candid artistry” in responding to the everyday problems of ordinary people.
Every day, he learns.
Every day, he thinks of solutions.
Every day, he quietly crafts ideas and systems meant to address different concerns.
And eventually, those ideas took shape in KOSS.
On the occasion of his 64th birthday, KOSS was born as well.
Indeed, what a birthday gift for his constituents.
‘CYBERPUNK JARGON’
At 64, Super Dino continues to embrace new trends and evolving approaches in politics and public service.
He adapts.
He evolves.
Nakikiuso rin.
The “Hawak Mo Ang Beat” dance craze? Super Dino knows it well.
In many ways, he projects what may be described as a “cyberpunk” political persona — someone whose political trajectory is anchored on futuristic thinking.
Because KOSS, as envisioned, is meant not just for the present but for the future — until it becomes an indelible institution in the 5th District.
Truly, it is a relatable program for the masa in concept, design, and purpose.
In the end, KOSS stands as the product of a bright mind pursuing a worthy cause beyond applause./PN
